Number of Scots in work fell by 18,000 over last three months, figures show

The number of Scots in work has fallen by 18,000 over the last three months, official statistics showed.

There were 2,657,000 Scots aged 16 and over in work over the period June to August, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics.

While that total was down by 18,000 when compared to the March to May figure, the number of people in work was 38,000 higher than it was in June to August 2024.

Overall, Scotland’s employment rate for June to August 2025 stood at 74.3% – with this lower than the rate of 75.1% seen in the UK as a whole.

The latest figures also showed the number of Scots who were unemployed had increased when compared to the previous three months.

There were 107,000 people out of work in June to August, with this 5,000 more than in March to May.

However the unemployment total was still 3,000 lower than it was in June to August 2024, the figures showed.

Scotland’s unemployment rate was calculated to be 3.9% for June to August – with this lower than the UK rate of 4.8% over this period.

Business and employment minister Richard Lochhead said that “despite challenging conditions Scotland’s job market remains fairly stable”.

The Scottish Government minister added that the economic outlook was “strengthening”, noting independent experts at the Fraser of Allander Institute think tank had upgraded their growth forecasts for Scotland last week.

Mr Lochhead said the Scottish Government was “working with businesses to grow the economy, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets”, but added: “We are doing this without the powers needed to fully address the issues facing Scotland’s economy.

“At the same time, the UK Government is taking decisions which are damaging to business and jobs including raising employers’ national insurance contributions.”